Heating your home has never been so expensive. So, what can you do to lower costs and cut your energy bills.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 things you can do to make things easier on your wallet.
- Install insulation: This is the most effective way to reduce heat loss and lower heating costs. Consider insulating walls, floors, and lofts.
- Draught-proof your home: Draughts can significantly increase heat loss, so be sure to draught-proof doors and windows.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient boilers: Upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler can reduce heating costs by up to £340 per year.
- Use a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating remotely, and can also help you save money by learning your habits and automatically adjusting heating when you’re not at home.
- Bleed your radiators: Bleeding your radiators can help reduce heating costs by ensuring they are working efficiently according to Corgi Homeplan.
- Invest in double or triple glazing: Double or triple glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 90% compared to single-glazed windows.
- Use heavy curtains and blinds: Heavy curtains and blinds can help retain heat and lower heating costs.
- Only heat the rooms you use: Only heating the rooms you use can reduce heating costs by up to £75 per year.
- Use a hot water tank jacket: A hot water tank jacket can reduce heat loss from your hot water tank by up to 75%.
- Switch energy supplier: Switching energy supplier can save you money on your heating costs. Consider switching to a supplier that offers a tariff that is specific to your heating needs.
- Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to reduce your monthly utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Insulate your home – One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is to insulate your home. Check your attic, walls, and floor for any gaps or cracks that may be letting in cold air during the winter or hot air during the summer. Adding insulation to these areas can help keep your home at a consistent temperature and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
- Install energy-efficient windows – Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. These windows are designed with multiple panes of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and gas fillings, which help reduce heat transfer and keep your home comfortable all year round.
- Upgrade your heating and cooling system – If your heating and cooling system is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model. Today’s systems use less energy and can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs – Replacing your traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can save you up to $75 per bulb over its lifetime. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
- Seal your ducts – If your ducts are not properly sealed, you could be losing up to 20% of the air that your heating and cooling system is producing. This can lead to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on your system. Have a professional inspect your ducts and repair any leaks to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature from your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re not there. This means you can set your thermostat to turn off when you’re at work and turn back on when you’re on your way home, saving energy and money in the process.
- Use a clothesline instead of a dryer – Drying your clothes outside on a clothesline is a great way to save energy and money. Not only is it a more environmentally-friendly option, but it also helps your clothes last longer and smell fresher.
- Invest in renewable energy sources – Consider installing a solar panel system or wind turbine on your property. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
- Use appliances efficiently – Always make sure to fully load your dishwasher and washing machine to maximize energy efficiency. Also, try to run these appliances during off-peak hours when energy demand is lower.
- Regularly maintain your appliances – Regular maintenance of your appliances can help them run more efficiently and last longer. This includes cleaning the coils on your refrigerator, replacing the air filter on your HVAC system, and having your heating and cooling system inspected annually.